The problem with technology

I'm currently in the process of fixing someone's wedding video. I'm not going to mention any names to protect the innocent (and not so innocent), but I know for a fact that this couple was shown a polished, well shot and edited wedding video and signed on believing that they could expect the same (or similar quality).

So here I am, late at night, fixing the work of 2 amateurs with decent-quality cameras and wishing I could give them a piece of my mind. This isn't the first time I've been asked to clean up someone's 'video mess'. And at least the junk coming out of their cameras is of higher quality (due to camera technology alone).

The best analogy I can come up with is the person who buys the best cookware, but doesn't have the skills to make minute rice properly. Will their food taste better after their purchase? Probably not...but at least it won't start a fire.

If you are a couple considering hiring a videographer, ask to see some raw footage. Editing can often make a silk purse of a sow's ear, but the raw footage speaks volumes about the quality of the person behind the camera.

Why we do the things we do.

If you won the lottery on Monday, would you show up to work on Tuesday? Do you feel like you were born into your profession or was it more like a push, shove and the fear of unemployment that keeps you where you are? I have always strived to do what I loved, as soon as I figured out that I was talented enough to do a good job in what I chose. I don't imagine that I could love a profession or hobby if I had no aptitude in it. I suppose that I might be a good doctor, lawyer or mechanic if I gave it a try...but life is short enough.

Sometimes, we choose our work, and sometimes it chooses us. Maybe that is why, against the urging of my father, and the admonishions of my college professors who told me that 'the money is in advertising and sales', I stayed the course with photography and video.

After 16 years behind a camera, and many adventures, I feel like the luckiest person on earth. If I can still do this at age 80, I might just continue doing so. In the meantime, I look forward to each day and the places I'll go, the people I'll meet and the new things I will learn. Is there a better profession out there for me? Maybe. I still dream of being a National Geographic photographer, but travel gets more difficult each year, especially since 9/11. So I travel in my spare time and dream that I'm on assignment.